Nephrology

Nephrology

The kidneys are vital for life with their complex network of blood vessels and intricate network of tubes and tubules that filter blood of its waste products and excess water. The kidneys maintain the fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base regulation that are altered by several disease conditions as well as drugs and toxins.

A nephrologist is a doctor who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney conditions. They also have the knowledge of how to manage the impact of kidney dysfunction on the rest of the body.

Nephrologists can work with you to help diagnose and treat the following conditions:

• Blood or protein in urine.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Kidney stones, although a urologist may also treat this.
• Kidney infections.
• Kidney swelling due to glomerulonephritis or interstitial nephritis.
• Kidney cancer.
• Polycystic kidney disease.
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome.
• Renal artery stenosis.
• Nephrotic syndrome.
• End-stage kidney disease.
• Kidney failure, both acute and chronic.

Your primary care doctor can help prevent and treat the early stages of kidney disease. However, sometimes these early stages may not have any symptoms or may have nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, and changes in the amount you urinate. Regular testing can monitor your kidney function, particularly if you’re at risk for kidney disease. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or a family history of kidney problems are at more risk for kidney problems.